Patna: Olympic medallist PV Sindhu flagged off the Patna Marathon at Gandhi Maidan on Sunday, as thousands of runners gathered in the city to promote the message of a “Drug-Free Bihar” (Nasha Mukt Bihar).
The marathon, organised in collaboration with the Department of Prohibition, Excise and Registration and the State Bank of India, drew around 10,000 participants, including athletes from across India as well as international runners from Kenya and Ethiopia.
Addressing the gathering, Sindhu said she was delighted to return to Patna for the event for the second time and praised the enthusiasm of young participants. She described the marathon as an important platform for encouraging healthy lifestyles and spreading awareness among youth.
“Sports and fitness play a vital role in keeping young people away from harmful habits such as drug abuse,” she said while flagging off the race.
The event featured four categories of races, attracting participants ranging from professional athletes to amateur runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Pratyaya Amrit, chief secretary of Bihar, praised the organisers for holding the event and said initiatives like the marathon help deliver positive social messages. He noted that Sindhu’s presence at the event would serve as a source of inspiration for young people.
Amrit also thanked the Olympic medallist for visiting Patna and said the event would be expanded further in the coming years to amplify the message of a drug-free society.
Organisers announced prize money for the winners, with the overall marathon champion set to receive up to Rs 2 lakh. The event features a total prize pool of Rs 30 lakh across various categories.
Officials said the annual marathon aims not only to promote fitness but also to strengthen public awareness campaigns against drug abuse, encouraging young people to adopt healthier lifestyles through sports and community participation.
